Chief-Heads Face Biggest Challenge of Season
Trevor Phipps
Well, it happened again. Just when the Denver Broncos were looking hot and Colorado sportscasters were talking them up big, they got completely destroyed by the Baltimore Ravens.
In fact, even the national CBS television announcers for the game (Tony Romo and Jim Nantz) contended that the Broncos were playoff-worthy, hurling out a volley of Bronco praise in pre-game comments. They didn’t say too much after Denver’s 41-10 devastating loss, as their earlier verbal hogwash made them look like idiots. (Jimmy, baby, stick to covering golf.)
I have not completely given up faith in the Orange and Blue, but I think that Week 9 match proved that the Broncs aren’t quite ready to be competitive when they play some of the top-notch teams in the league.
The Broncos have had some good things going for them lately. Nix is getting a little better, but he is still making mistakes like overthrowing passes constantly. Some have said that the Broncos have one of the best defenses in the league, but we all saw how they fared against one of the league’s best offenses.
Overall, I just don’t think the Broncos are really going to turn out to be a playoff-worthy team this year. If they do make the postseason, they likely won’t make it very far. And actually, looking at their schedule, I still think my 9-8 pre-season prediction will hold strong. Still, they still have a shot at grabbing the final playoff spot.
But unfortunately, this week will be yet another upsetting one for Bronco fans. The Falcons may not be one of the best in the NFL, but the momentum they have gained recently is impressive.
The Falcons have been good beating up on some teams and they are in line to take their division. Even though the Broncos will give it the old college try, I am not seeing them come out on top based on what the team does when they face stellar competitors.
Vegas Line: Falcons by 3.5
Trevor’s Pick: Atlanta Falcons 27, Denver Broncos 24
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills, Sunday 2:25 p.m.
The Chiefs are on paper the best team in the league, but they still have been just barely winning games. And it seems like they really haven’t played anyone who has good momentum this season.
Let’s face it, the Broncos versus the Chiefs bout last weekend was nothing like the rivalry it was in the past. I definitely think it is fair to say that the Chiefs just haven’t been truly tested yet. But, they will be this week.
The Buffalo Bills had somewhat of a rocky start to 2024, but it seems like they have figured things out. Besides, their only two losses this season have come from the Ravens and the Texans who are both on fire this year.
In fact, Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen has competed so well in 2024 that he is in the running for the coveted MVP Title. He is competing head-on against another infamous QB. And that other QB isn’t the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes.
In the end, I think the Bills offense will just be too much for the Chiefs to handle. Watch this match closely because there is a good chance we will see a repeat of these two teams battling it out in the playoffs.
Vegas Line: Chiefs by 1.5
Trevor’s Pick: Buffalo Bills 34, Kansas City Chiefs 28
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins, Sunday 11 a.m.
Well, I hate to say I told you so, but I feel like Raiders’ fans are already starting to think about next year. The start of the season wasn’t horrible, but they haven’t really been able to win in recent games.
The Dolphins on the other hand have their star QB back from injury and they look like they are ready to improve. Miami has what it takes to beat some decent teams as the season progresses.
Vegas Line: Dolphins by 6
Trevor’s Pick: Miami Dolphins 31, Las Vegas Raiders 14
Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday 6:20 p.m.
This Sunday night match has the making to be a good one. Both of these teams aren’t horrible, but they are not leaders in the league either.
The Bengals are struggling to get back to a point in which they are competitive in their division, and they now have a decent chance. However, the Chargers I think are just going to keep getting better.
Vegas Line: Bengals by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Los Angeles Chargers 31, Cincinnati Bengals 29
Other Games Worth Watching
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles,Thursday 6:15 p.m.
This rivalry match is always a close battle and this year it should be even more epic. Both of these teams are top competitors and will be fighting for the top of their NFC East Division
Vegas Line: Eagles by 7
Trevor’s Pick: Washington Commanders 27, Philadelphia Eagles 23
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday 11 a.m.
For those that don’t feel like watching the Raiders lose Sunday morning before the Broncos game, this is another division rivalry match with two teams that are neck and neck in their AFC North division. The Ravens honesty look too hot to slow down, but the Steelers don’t look too shabby with Russell Wilson lately either
Vegas Line: Ravens by 3.5
Trevor’s Pick: Baltimore Ravens 38, Pittsburgh Steelers 21
Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys Monday 6:15 p.m.
The battle of Texas blesses Monday Night Football viewers this week in a match that should be worth watching. Many would disagree and state that the Texans will easily romp ‘Dem Boys, but I think the Cowboys will figure things out eventually and at least make this one competitive.
Vegas Line: Cowboys by 2.5
Trevor’s Pick: Houston Texans 28, Dallas Cowboys 27
